How did Sabalenka survive two tight tiebreaks to reach last 16?

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Aryna Sabalenka Advanced to the Australian Open Last 16 After Surviving Two Close Tiebreaks

Top seed Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the last 16 of the Australian Open by defeating Anastasia Potapova in a hard-fought match that went to two tiebreaks. Sabalenka ultimately prevailed with a score of 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (9-7) after two hours and two minutes of play, demonstrating resilience in crucial moments to overcome her opponent.
Navigating Difficult Service Games and Tiebreaks

The match saw both players facing early challenges, with each being broken in their opening service games. This set the tone for a tightly contested encounter. In the first set tiebreak, Sabalenka managed to secure the advantage after a tense battle. The second tiebreak was even more dramatic, with Sabalenka facing four set points. She successfully defended these crucial points before eventually closing out the match.
Demonstrating Champion Spirit Under Pressure

Despite a high number of unforced errors, reaching 44 compared to Potapova's 25, Sabalenka showcased her fighting spirit. She acknowledged that there were moments where she had to "just be there, just have to fight and try your best to put the ball back on that side." Even when feeling emotionally strained, she was able to maintain her focus on fighting for every point.
Overcoming Set Point Deficits

A significant factor in Sabalenka's survival was her ability to save multiple set points in both tiebreaks. In the second set tiebreak, she faced four set points, a situation that could have easily shifted the momentum of the match. Her capacity to hold firm and respond in these high-pressure situations was key to her victory.
Pursuing a Third Melbourne Title

This victory keeps Sabalenka on track in her pursuit of a third Australian Open title in four years. Her performance, while containing a significant number of unforced errors, ultimately highlighted her ability to perform under duress. She is now set to face Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko in the next round for a place in the quarter-finals.

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How did Sabalenka survive two tight tiebreaks to reach last 16?

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